A new analysis published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that smartphone apps and wearable fitness trackers can significantly increase physical activity among people with cardiovascular disease. The meta-analysis, which reviewed 14 clinical trials involving more than 1,000 adults, found that individuals using digital technologies walked nearly 1,100 more steps per day and engaged in approximately four additional minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to those who did not use such devices.
Physical activity is crucial for preventing secondary cardiovascular events, yet many patients face barriers to traditional cardiac rehabilitation, including time, distance, and financial constraints. According to the American Heart Association, fewer than one-third of people with cardiovascular disease are physically active. The study's lead author, Ajith Vemuri, Ph.D., a staff scientist in neurology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, noted that smartphones and wearables are already widely used, making them practical tools for expanding access to care. “When we show that these devices can effectively support routine care, we can start designing cost-effective, personalized digital interventions that reach a much wider population,” Vemuri said.
The digital interventions varied across studies, incorporating features such as personalized step goals, reminders, motivational messages, progress feedback, and gamification. Some programs also linked home-based rehabilitation to healthcare professionals for remote monitoring. Ramin Zand, M.D., M.P.H., the study's senior author and a professor of neurology and public health at Penn State College of Medicine, emphasized that these devices are more than gadgets. “When included in a treatment plan, they can support routine care and help patients take small yet important steps toward better cardiovascular health,” Zand said.
The analysis, which examined trials published between January 2000 and February 2025, included participants with diagnosed cardiovascular conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, or a history of heart attack or stroke. While the findings are promising, the researchers noted that the improvements did not extend to peak oxygen consumption or walking distance, suggesting that longer studies are needed to determine if these activity increases translate into sustained fitness gains and improved health outcomes. Additionally, most participants had coronary heart disease, so the results may not apply to all cardiovascular conditions.
Damon L. Swift, Ph.D., FAHA, immediate past-chair of the American Heart Association’s Lifestyle Physical Activity Committee, commented on the implications: “Combining mobile and wearable technologies with standard preventive measures provides a unique opportunity to potentially further reduce the risk of advanced cardiovascular disease or a second or third CVD event.” He added that even modest increases in activity, such as reaching about 7,000 steps per day, are associated with reduced mortality risk.
The study highlights the potential of digital health tools to bridge gaps in cardiac rehabilitation access, but it also underscores the need for further research to confirm long-term sustainability. As the manuscript concludes, these technologies could play a key role in promoting healthier lifestyles among the millions of people living with heart disease.
